What Influences the Price of Resin?

Apr 23, 2024 | Polybag Supplier

The price of materials can change constantly, regardless of industry. This is no exception for resin and plastics, the cost of which can fluctuate multiple times in just one day. Price volatility can significantly impact your business, and understanding the factors that impact resin pricing can help you more nimbly anticipate how market changes might impact your company. 

Staying up to date on recent events and industry news surrounding plastics is key to making informed business and purchasing decisions, so let’s look into just a few of the many factors you should know about that can impact resin costs.

4 Factors that Influence the Price of Resin

#1: Natural disasters

Resins are a byproduct of petroleum refining. That production process is based in facilities along the U.S. Gulf Coast, a hotspot for hurricanes and severe weather. Hurricanes and other large storms along the Gulf of Mexico can cause oil refineries to shut down or lead to shipping and logistics delays when it comes to resin production. Most recently, cold weather on the Gulf Coast forced preemptive shutdowns of petroleum facilities, leading to spikes in raw material costs.

#2: Supply and Demand

Low resin supply typically means high demand and higher prices. Alternatively, a higher resin supply usually means more buyers can get the resin they need at a lower price. In that instance, supply and demand are regulated by production and the amount of resin available at a given time. Sometimes, though, industry trends can create demand. Examples of this include flexible food packaging, ready-to-eat meals, and frozen foods, which means steadily increasing demand for resin supply in the long term.

#3: Production

Crude oils and natural gasses are market fundamentals impacted by their country and their company’s drilling rights, physical extraction, and refining process. These also play a large part in the raw materials and energy costs required to produce resin. In this way, the costs, supply, and demand of crude oils and natural gasses are directly related to resin’s cost, supply, and demand. If disruptions occur in the oil and natural gas markets, then disruptions are likely to also occur in the plastics markets as well.

#4: Exporting

We saw an extreme example of the ripple effect of exporting and logistics issues during COVID-19. In some ways, we’re still rebounding from those disruptions that occurred in 2020. Since plastics are a global industry, it is no exception to that same ripple effect on an international scale.  Over the last year, US resin exports saw a decline along with an overall slowing in US manufacturing activity. The upside of this, however, is that it made room for a greater balance in domestic resin and plastics trading. A healthier US plastics trading market bodes well for US resin manufacturers in the coming year. 

These are just four of the many, many external influences that can cause the price of resin to rise or fall. Forces like politics at home, wars overseas, international relations, climate change, the push for clean energy, and supply chain disruptions are all examples of external influences that hold sway over the plastics industry and the cost of materials.

What is the Current State of the Plastics Market?

Currently, the demand for resin is low and has had a slow start to the year overall. Due to elevated consumer spending in the US over the last year, industry experts anticipate a jump in resin costs in 2024 should these pressures remain consistent. Advancements in the packaging industry, such as foaming technology, big data, and IoT integration, are expected to project long-term growth for 2024, 2025, and beyond. Similar innovations such as resealable packs, easy-open mechanisms, and stand-up pouches face increasing consumer demand across various sectors, including industrial packaging, automotive, and construction. In light of global sustainability initiatives, the emergence of eco-friendly biodegradable plastics is yet another industry anticipated to steer the course of the resins market. With so many avenues for growth, the resins market outlook for the future is robust. 

Working with suppliers you can count on can make all the difference in an unpredictable market. We at A-Pac Manufacturing feel it’s always better to see how things shake out over the course of a few months before making any decisions about changing our pricing. As a small custom manufacturer, we’re proud to deliver some of the shortest lead times in the industry. We’re much more nimble than massive corporations, and it is easier for us to adjust our course and stay flexible in the face of the many external factors that impact the ever-evolving resin and plastics industries. 

At A-Pac, we’re able to manufacture the custom bags you need according to your schedule at no minimum order. For the bags you want, when you want them, give the A-Pac Manufacturing team a call. Thank you for your continued business, and we look forward to serving you.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Wholesale Poly Bag Manufacturer

Jan 3, 2024 | Polybag Supplier

Choosing the right wholesale poly bag manufacturer is a crucial decision for businesses. Wholesale poly bags are used in various industries for packaging and transporting products, and the choice of manufacturer can profoundly impact product quality and overall business operations. 

When choosing a poly bag manufacturer for your business, some key points to consider include: 

• Material Quality
• Customization Options
• On-Time Delivery
• Competitive Pricing
• Food Safety Compliance
• Customer Satisfaction

Whether you are a small startup or a large enterprise, choosing a manufacturing partner is critical because you need a vendor who meets your packaging requirements with precision, consistency, and a commitment to excellence. 

Key Considerations When Selecting a Wholesale Poly Bag Manufacturer

In the competitive landscape of packaging solutions, A-Pac Manufacturing stands out for its unwavering commitment to quality and customization. Let’s delve into the key aspects that set us apart:

1. Quality and Durability  

A-Pac Manufacturing is dedicated to producing high-quality poly bags using various types of polyethylene, resulting in exceptional packaging solutions. Polyethylene, derived from the polymerization of ethylene gas, is used to create five poly bag varieties. 

• Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): Branching during polymerization provides LDPE flexibility and transparency, making it suitable for lightweight items requiring visibility and easy access, such as small parts, food items, and shopping totes.
• Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE): LLDPE offers higher tensile strength and puncture resistance without sacrificing flexibility. It’s commonly used for produce packaging and other applications where clarity isn’t a priority.
• Medium-Density Polyethylene (MDPE): Falling between HDPE and LDPE in terms of density and strength, MDPE poly bags offer excellent protective properties against moisture, debris, and external damage. 

2. Customization Options

Customization is crucial in poly bag production, allowing businesses to tailor their packaging solutions to specific requirements. We offer a range of options to cater to unique business needs. Here are some of the key customization options available for poly bags from A-Pac Manufacturing: 

• Printing and Branding: We offer high-quality printing services that allow you to add your company’s logo, name, product information, or promotional messages to your poly bags. Custom printing enhances brand recognition and customer engagement.
• Customized Additives for Unique Applications: Tailoring poly bag solutions to our customer’s specific needs, we offer unique blends using additives like VCI (volatile corrosion inhibitor), UVI (ultra-violet inhibitor), anti-stat (for dissipating accumulated static, ideal for protecting sensitive items like circuit boards), and flame retardant. 
• Size and Dimensions: We provide the flexibility to customize the size and dimensions of your poly bags, ensuring a perfect fit for your products. Whether you require small, medium, or large bags, we can accommodate your specific sizing needs.
• Thickness and Strength: Depending on your product’s weight and fragility, we can provide poly bags with the appropriate thickness and strength to ensure secure packaging and protection.
• Specialized Features: If your business requires unique features such as perforations, hang holes, or gussets, we can incorporate these into your poly bags and enhance functionality.
• Food Safety: Our team is well-versed in poly bag production regulations and standards. We ensure that your customized bags meet all necessary compliance requirements. 

3. Competitive Pricing

At A-Pac Manufacturing, our pricing is a testament to our commitment to serving a wide range of businesses. We understand that cost-effectiveness is a critical factor for businesses of all sizes, and we have structured our pricing to be competitive without compromising the quality of our poly bags. 

We know that small businesses often operate within tight financial margins, and the cost of packaging materials can significantly impact their bottom line. Our competitive pricing enables small businesses to allocate resources to other crucial aspects of their operations, such as marketing, production, and customer engagement. 

4. Sustainability Initiatives

Companies worldwide are increasingly adopting eco-friendly plastics in their product packaging. This shift towards sustainability offers a win-win scenario, safeguarding our planet while satisfying consumer expectations. Fortunately, there are many ways to achieve sustainable packaging, and making the switch is simple. 

We’re proud to offer a more sustainable poly bag option made from plant-based additives and renewable materials. Our plant-based poly bags are versatile, durable, and affordable, and increase the likelihood of biodegradation. 

5. Prioritizing Short and Flexible Lead Times

We recognize the importance of streamlined processes for businesses. Our commitment lies in delivering swift and adaptable lead times, catering to the urgent needs of your business operations. Our efficient production timeline, typically ranging from just 2 to 3 weeks, stands as a pivotal asset for businesses aiming to swiftly respond to market demands.

Partnering with us means gaining an edge in meeting deadlines, managing inventory effectively, and adapting to market dynamics. Our focus on short and flexible lead times is a commitment to your business’s success, regardless of its size or scale.

Choose A-Pac Manufacturing for Your Wholesale Poly Bag Needs

“Highly recommend this company for all your packaging needs!”  – Lynn Warren

A-Pac Manufacturing has proven that we are the preferred choice for custom poly bags for businesses of all sizes. We are an experienced poly bag manufacturer specializing in top-notch products and unparalleled customer support.

With a range of polyethylene options, customization choices, rapid turnaround times, and a dedicated team to assist your unique business needs, we are your ideal partner for packaging solutions. 

Your success is our priority. Contact A-Pac Manufacturing today and experience the difference in quality, service, and support for your packaging needs. 

Paper vs. Plastic Bags?

Oct 3, 2023 | Polybag Supplier

When deciding between paper and plastic bags for your business, there are important considerations you need to weigh out. As the world grows towards more sustainable and environmentally conscious efforts, your first instinct may be to choose paper bags. However, both options offer pros and cons that may affect your choice of paper vs. plastic bags. Let’s dive in! 

Let’s Compare: Paper vs. Plastic Bags

When comparing paper and plastic bags, you might automatically think that paper bags are a good choice. However, there are many downsides to paper options that you might not be familiar with. 

5 reasons to carefully consider before choosing paper bags:

1. Limited Durability: Paper bags are not as durable as their plastic counterparts. They can tear or become compromised more easily, potentially resulting in customer inconvenience and product damage during transport.
2. Resource Intensity: While paper is indeed a renewable resource, the production of paper bags typically involves a significant amount of water and energy. This resource intensity should be taken into account when assessing their environmental impact.
3. Limited Customization: Customizing paper bags may be more challenging and expensive compared to plastic bags. If branding and customization are essential for your business, plastic bags might offer more flexibility in this regard.
4. Consumer Preferences Vary: Consumer preferences can vary widely. While some may prefer paper bags for their eco-friendly image, others might find them less practical due to their limited durability.
5. Regulatory Considerations: Depending on the state or region where you operate, there may be specific regulations related to the use of paper bags, potentially impacting your operational flexibility.

Why Choose Plastic Bags Over Paper Bags?

While consumers often perceive paper bags as a more environmentally friendly option, it’s important to recognize that plastic bags have several compelling advantages that make them the superior choice for your business.

When considering plastic bags for your business, here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Durability: Plastic bags are known for their durability, translating to reduced waste for your business. Their resilience ensures that they can withstand wear and tear, minimizing the likelihood of product damage during transport.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: Plastic bags tend to be more cost-effective than paper bags. This cost efficiency can significantly benefit your business by helping you manage expenses more effectively.
3. Reusability: In today’s eco-conscious era, people are increasingly embracing the reuse and recycling of materials. Plastic bags are reusable, allowing consumers to extend their lifespan and reduce single-use plastic waste. 
4. Weight and Transportation Efficiency: Plastic bags are lighter than paper bags, leading to lower transportation costs and a reduced carbon footprint. 
5. Space Efficiency: Plastic bags are efficient in terms of storage and transportation. They occupy less storage space, allowing you to optimize your storage area and reduce transportation-related emissions.
6. Preserving Freshness: Plastic excels in preserving the freshness of items, particularly in food and medical applications. Its impermeable nature acts as a barrier against contaminants, moisture, and air, prolonging the shelf life and maintaining the quality of products. In fields where spoilage and sterility are critical concerns, plastic remains the superior choice for safeguarding goods and materials.

There are numerous sustainable poly bag options available if you decide to choose plastic bags for your business. If you are budget-conscious and your target audience is receptive to reusable options, plastic bags clearly offer a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution. Consider these advantages when making your decision.

5 Key Considerations When Deciding On Paper vs. Plastic Bags

Choosing the right materials for your business is paramount, but we’re here to help you make a decision. Here are some questions you should ask yourself when debating paper vs. plastic bags. 

1. Does your customer have a preference? Consider your target audience and what they would like from your product. One of the most important things is to create loyal customers with your product. 
2. What is your budget? A primary concern may be how much you want to invest in packaging. Typically, plastic bags are less costly. 
3. What type of product are you selling? You may need a more resistant material when considering the durability of your product. Plastic bags are generally stronger, which may be appropriate for heavier items.  
4. What are the regulations in your state? Certain state regulations may make the choice evident for your business. 
5. What is your long-term strategy? Deciding your overall goal and branding for your product and business may help you choose paper vs. plastic bags. You can then customize your bags to what best fits your business.  

Why You Should Consider Using A-Pac Manufacturing’s Sustainable Plastic Bags

A-Pac Manufacturing specializes in sustainable plastic bags. There are many reasons why choosing this option may be best for your business. Using A-Pac Manufacturing for your plastic bag needs means choosing a company that is: 

• Environmentally Responsible. At A-Pac Manufacturing, plastic bags are designed to minimize environmental harm by reducing the carbon footprint.  
• Regulatory Compliant. You can ensure your business is compliant with all regulations regarding single-use plastics. 
• Helps with Brand Image and Customization. You can still attract eco-conscious consumers with eco-friendly designs and branding.  
• Ready to Help with Long-Term Savings. Since plastic bags are more durable, you can reduce the need for replacements. 

Partnering with A-Pac Manufacturing for sustainable plastic bags helps align your business with eco-friendly values and an appealing design for your customers and can help you save money in the long term. Ready to get started? Give us a call today or visit us online and request a quote. 

Your Guide to FSSC 22000 Certified Bags

Jun 8, 2023 | Polybag Supplier

Certifications are a necessary component of the food supply chain because they help protect several food safety standards through routine surveillance and inspections. Along with the standards they require, obtaining a certification demonstrates a manufacturer’s commitment to their goods’ quality, safety, and compliance. 

The food packaging industry relies on several certifications, including the FSSC 22000 Certification. Each one focuses on important aspects of the production process and ensures that specific regulations are met every step of the way. 

What Does It Mean to be FSSC 22000 Certified? 

The food production industry uses the FSSC 22000 Certification to confirm the safety of food-grade plastic through strict food safety standards that span from production to purchase. As a complete food safety certification, an FSSC 22000 Certification is one of the most important things a plastic bag manufacturer should have to develop plastic products for food packaging.

What Are The Components of an FSSC 22000 Certification?

The requirements for FSSC 22000 Certification consist of three major components. Each one must be completed in order to achieve certification. 

ISO 22000

The FSSC 22000 utilizes existing international and independent standards, like ISO 22000, as the baseline for the requirements of a food safety management system. 

Sector-Specific Prerequisite Programs

Additionally, obtaining an FSSC 22000 requires using some sector-specific prerequisite programs that can help ensure the maintenance of hygienic and sanitary environments within each organization. 

FSSC 22000 Additional Requirements

Finally, some requirements in addition to the scheme are used to ensure consistency and integrity while adding agility in attending to potential food safety issues. 

What Are The Benefits of FSSC 22000 Certification? 

As a globally recognized standard, FSSC 22000 Certification offers an array of benefits for the food packaging industry and other parties in the food production supply chain.

Some of the major benefits of FSSC 22000 Certification include:

• Increased food safety across the entire production and packaging process
• Reduced risk of recalls due to controlled safety hazards
• Increased efficiency resulting from streamlined food safety processes and reduced errors 
• Enhanced reputation and improved customer confidence 
• A certification model that can be used in the entire food supply chain
• Minimized risks for all certified organizations in the supply chain process
• Industry-wide acceptance and recognition by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)
• Required consistent, high-quality audits to verify safety standards
• Helps manufacturers comply with local laws and regulations 
• Required recertification every three years

Is A-Pac Manufacturing FSSC 22000 Certified? 

Yes! A-Pac Manufacturing is FSSC 22000 Certified. Our food safety management system was initially certified in 2018, and our FSSC 22000 Certification remains current for manufacturing poly bags and polyethylene film. Since 2018, we have completed thousands of orders following the Food Safety System Certification Scheme. 

Invest in High-Quality Food Safe Plastics For Your Small Business

Whether you’re just getting started in the food industry or simply need a trusted supplier of food-safe plastics, A-Pac Manufacturing can help. Our manufacturing process has obtained a number of food safety certifications, including FSSC 22000, so you can always rely on the safety and quality of our products. Plus, with our unique “no order minimums” approach, there’s no better certified plastic supplier for small businesses. 

If you’re in need of an FSSC Certified manufacturer that works with small businesses, contact our team today and request a quote for your food-safe order!

What Production Time To Expect for Custom Poly Bags

May 23, 2023 | Polybag Supplier

A carefully planned process is crucial to custom plastic bag production. Generally, plastic bag suppliers expect their manufacturing process to last a few weeks. During this time, the manufacturer works diligently to understand your needs, create product samples, develop a final product, and ship the order. 

When each step is followed carefully, the process is seamless and results in a high-quality custom product created to meet your specific business needs. 

What Factors Determine Plastic Bag Production Time

The total plastic bag production time at A-Pac takes at least three weeks but can vary greatly depending on the specifics of each order, and some suppliers may require longer lead times. 

Significant factors that can affect plastic bag production time include: 

• Size – length, width, depth, and thickness
• Style – seals and handles
• Quantity 
• Branding – custom logos and colors 
• Other additives – food grade capability, clarity, etc. 

Your lead time may be shorter if you already have a printed design and an approved proof with the supplier. However, the order may take longer if you’re printing a new order with many unique features, a nonstandard style, or custom logos. Remember, as the complexity of a design increases, so do lead times.

How Long Should My Lead Time Be? 

To make sure your custom plastic bags arrive when you need them, be sure to plan ahead. Our average lead time is three weeks. This allows plenty of time for designing, approving proofs, production, and unforeseen shipping delays. 

So, if you need the bags completed by January 1, you’ll need to place an order on or before December 1 (earlier if your bag’s design is complex). 

How We Make Custom Poly Bags 

Although seemingly complex, the process required to produce plastic bags is relatively easy to follow. At A-Pac Manufacturing, we’ve implemented a five-step process that ensures you’ll receive a high-quality, custom product without unreasonably delayed lead times. 

This is how we do it:

Step 1: Design and Proof Approval

Production of poly bags can’t begin until the bag’s design is complete. Once you’ve worked with us to choose your colors and create a striking design, we can develop a proof of the bag that features all your requested elements, including size, style, color, branding, etc. Then, the proof is sent to you for approval. 

Once you receive your proof, you may realize that your logo doesn’t stand out like you imagined or that the handles aren’t as large as you need them to be. If the proof isn’t meeting your expectations, you can request changes, and we’ll develop a new proof and send it to you again. After you approve the proof, we’ll move forward with production. 

Estimated timeframe: up to one week, but can extend longer. 

Step 2: Poly Film Production

With the specifications of the bag design laid out, the film is ready to be produced. We will manufacture the poly film for your bags to the desired gauge (mil strength), color, bag clarity, and food-grade capability. 

Our poly film is manufactured through a process called extrusion molding. In this process, the polyethylene is melted from pellets, then pushed through a die to form a bubble which facilitates the cooling of the film to the required thickness. Then, the film is used to create bags. 

Step 3: Poly Film to Custom Plastic Bags

Once cooled, the film is rolled onto a spindle for easy dispensing. The film can be easily unwrapped, cut, and sealed to form the main body of the bags. Handles are cut into the bags during this stage, and any special sealing options are also added.

Step 4: Branding

The next step makes the bags unique to your business – adding your custom branding. During this part of the production, the bags are printed with logos, text, or any other elements requested in your proof. Once branding is complete and the manufacturing process is over, the bags are ready to be sent to the client. 

Step 5: Shipping

The last step is to prepare the bags to ship by your preferred method. Shipping time often depends on the distance to the destination and the order size but generally takes about 5-7 business days from standard businesses. At A-Pac Manufacturing, our shipping time is only 1-3 business days! 

Place a Rush Order With A-Pac

Need custom plastic bags on a tight schedule? For orders of custom plastic bags, most suppliers offer lead times of four to five weeks – or sometimes longer. If you need a faster turnaround, A-Pac Manufacturing may be able to help you get your bags sooner! 

Our estimated design and production schedule typically take three weeks; in some cases, we can work with you to reduce production time even further.  

If you need custom plastic bags quickly, give our team a call. Our experts can help you design an outstanding product, and they can provide you with a time estimate for your order’s production. When you choose A-Pac for your manufacturing needs, you can be confident that you’ll have the best bags for your business when you need them.  

Request a quote, and place your custom order today. 

Need Plastic Vegetable Bags? Here Are Your Best Options

Feb 3, 2023 | Polybag Supplier

Plastic vegetable bags are an excellent option for those who want to package their fresh items in a food-safe manner. Plastic vegetable bags come in different sizes and styles, so you can choose what works best for your business. You can also get custom-printed designs to fit your branding and marketing needs. Let’s dive in!

Benefits of Plastic Vegetable Bags

A primary reason grocery stores choose this style of food storage over glass or ridged plastic is cost benefits. They can be more environmentally friendly than other packaging options because they use less material and can be repurposed (recycled) around the home. They can also be made using plant-based plastics to help further decrease the adverse effects on our planet. 

Plastic vegetable bags are also more hygienic than paper and cardboard packaging because they do not absorb moisture from the products inside or the environment outside, which can lead to mold growth on your food items if left untreated for too long.

Types of Plastic Vegetable Bags

The most common type of plastic vegetable bag is the flat bag. This may be a good option if you’re looking for something more economical. It’s simple to use and can be packed easily by hand or machine.

Flat bags are available in different sizes and thicknesses depending on your needs; some have handles at each end so that customers can easily carry them out of the store without touching items with their hands (which means less contamination).

Another popular style is Wicketed Bags – these tend to cost more than their flat counterparts but offer greater convenience for consumers because there’s less waste involved – the wickets allow foods like lettuce or celery to breathe, keeping everything fresh until they reach home kitchens. 

Flat Ploly Bag Size Guide

The most common size is a 12″ x 16″ bag, which is large enough to hold most vegetables and fruits. But they come in a wide range of sizes from 3″ x 3″ for herbs and spices – all the way up to 24×48 for potatoes, onions, and other large vegetables.

Custom-Printed Designs for Local Marketing

Customers are always looking for ways to support their local businesses, and promotional plastic vegetable bags are a great way to do that. The custom design options make it easy to create an appealing package for your brand that customers will love! With eye-catching colors and graphics, these bags can be used in any store or restaurant and at home with fresh produce from the garden or farmers’ market.

Customers like seeing their favorite brands on products they purchase every day; this is especially true when those products are something they regularly use, like vegetables! By offering custom-printed plastic vegetable bags with your company logo, you’ll be able to reach new customers while also creating repeat business from those who already know about you.

What Makes Them Food Safe? The Right Materials

You want to ensure that your bags are made from food-safe plastic. To be considered “food-grade,” a plastic must meet specific standards set by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Food-grade plastics are often made using low-density polyethylene mixtures, metallocene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate.

The low-density polyethylene mixture is one of the most common types of plastic used in disposable bags because of its strength and durability; it can withstand heat up to 180 degrees. This means it will not lose its physical properties or melt away entirely like other types might if exposed for too long at extreme temperatures.

Make A-Pac Manufacturing Your Bag Distributor 

Plastic vegetable bags are an affordable and convenient way to package your produce. Please contact our team at A-Pac Manufacturing for more information if you have questions about which style to choose or what materials they’re made from. We offer a wide range of bags to fit your need, each fully customizable to make your product stand out from the rest.